OBITUARY: Eugene H. Vande Hey

On Saturday December 26th, Eugene Henry Vande Hey, loving husband and father lost his courageous battle to cancer at the age of 75.

Gene was born on July 23, 1945 in Oneida, Wisconsin. He married the love of his life Sandy Van Linn on May 29, 1965.

Gene was a tenacious, generous and caring man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. His passion was flying his airplane and riding his motorcycle with his wife and friends. He enjoyed fishing with his sons, although they were mostly unsuccessful trips, breakfast with the boys, shooting, and woodworking (he proudly made a rocking horse for each of his seven grandchildren). He served his community as a village board member for two terms. The Wrightstown Fire Department held a special place in his heart. As Fire Chief, he was proud to mentor future generations of firefighters.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years and their 3 children, Gina (John) Thousand, Edward (Trisha) Vande Hey and Mike (Jamie) Vande Hey as well as their 7 grandchildren, Adrianna Thousand, Evan Thousand, Ethan, Owen, Abe, Colt and Rory Vande Hey. Brothers Dennis (Wendy Fisher), Gary (Lori Beaudet), Allan (Terry Mura) and Ron Vande Hey. Extended family Sue Christensen and children. Sisters-in-law Linda Schabo and Delaine Van Linn.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, parents Mary Rita and Roland, Sandy’s parents Adreana and Edward Van Linn Sr., extended family Albert Christensen, Sandy’s siblings Edward, Bill (Rita), Bob, and Jack Van Linn, Glady (Joe) Biesterveld, Elaine Honick, Mary Wendel and Tom Schabo.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. until a vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Clare Parish, 437 Main Street, Wrightstown. Visitation will continue Tuesday morning at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11:00 a.m. For those in attendance, masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced. Those wishing to view the service online may do so at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday on the Verkuilen-Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home Facebook Page. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

The family would like to thank Dr. Groteluschen, the staff at St. Mary’s chemotherapy lab, the doctors at UW Carbone Cancer Center and the nurses at Unity Hospice for their friendly and positive attitudes throughout Gene’s care.